Workers’ Comp Panel Approves $1 Billion Rebate to Ohio Employers

May 31, 2013

Directors of Ohio’s insurance fund for injured workers have unanimously approved Gov. John Kasich’s (KAY’-sihks) proposal to send $1 billion in cash rebates to businesses, local governments and schools.

About 210,000 businesses and public employers would see one-time rebates in June or July under the plan out of the $8.3 billion asset pool of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Checks would range from $5 to more than $3 million.

The bureau’s board signed off on the idea on Thursday. Kasich says solid investments made the rebates possible.

The coalition Pay Us Back Ohio BWC represents about 270,000 mostly small-business owners who won an $860 million decision against the bureau in March for repayment of overcharges.

The group says it favors the rebates, and its members will benefit.